I think the outcome of City’s game against L’pool is going to galvanize us further: win or lose. Win and we have to win! Lose and we want the points gap to widen (City looks to be winning this one comfortably). Obviously, Xhaka is always a concern particularly against mobile opposition. I’d start Partey on the bench, as without him at Anfield is not worth contemplating. I imagine Arteta will go with a 433, but I’d prefer a 352 to keep winning the lost ball retention in the middle of the park. I think the 352 suits our available players better ands shores up our midfield.
Leeds have their 3 top players out, so moving the ball with one and two touch football to the final third is essential. Leeds like to play frantic or chaotic football when they get the time and room. Flooding the midfield makes that type of pacey football very difficult for Leeds to navigate.
Our lads will be up for it as the countdown to the Wolves’ game commences again today. Beat Leeds today and we’ll be 8 points clear again today. We need to be at our best at defending in their final third and if we can’t rob the ball there, then upset the Leeds balance enough to be dispossessed in mid field.
Partey looks fit and injury free with him not playing in Ghana’s last game. However, I’d still play him from the bench if need be. Obviously, Tomi, Elneny and Eddie are short with Tomi out for the season. I’d like to see some invention from Arteta for the Leeds game:
Ramsdale
Holding Gabs KT
White Kiwior Jorginho Trossard Zinchenko
Saka & Martinelli
Apart from KT, all our players are playing their preferred positions with Kiwior dropping to 6. KT is the fastest defender in the league, so should keep the high line in tact. Kiwior is no slouch either and can keep Jorginho covered.
I don’t see a Leeds Midfield being more pacey or as technical as the five we would be putting out whether attacking or defensively. Gabs is a powerhouse at the back in the air and Holdinho generally is good aerially and defending if pace isn’t used against him. Kiwior will be a good sweeper in front of the back three. Jorginho can do what he does best and be the midfield general using his experience over his lack of pace with a minder looking after him.
This is what I think we’ll see:
Ramsdale
White Holding Gabs Zinchenko
Ode Jorginho Xhaka
Saka Jesus Martinelli
Xhaka walk about free role the opposition doesn’t care about. Zinchenko inverting and Jorginho getting caught out being speed challenged with Xhaka. Arteta’s main hope is our front three finding the net several times. Leeds are likely to win the MF battles more with this tactical set up giving our defense too much work to do and I’d see a silly goal against at some stage.
Saliba is the biggest concern. It’s too risky to play him against Leeds, but should be saved for the City, BHA and Pool games. Partey is probably ok for today, but again Arteta should manage Partey’s involvements in all the remaining games to keep him as fit as possible by reducing Partey’s minutes per game.
I’ll predict 3:0 if we play 353 or 3:2 if we play our rigid system with keep players missing.
See you at the game.
TRVL – as always eloquently put sprinkled with moments of smile bringing meanings.
The scurrilous slurs from from Pedro’s monikers led by NT were that we were the dregs of LG and LG is a far better place now we’ve been banished. He further went on to say he never reads LIR or would; however, a week ago he mentioned that he liked the post writer, which of course is yours truly, you and Ambarish keeping the main posts interesting.
Bob N16 being Bob true to form decided we can’t possibly be enjoying the ride of being top and snipes at anyone who isn’t feeling it or shows the smidgens of Arteta dissent! This is a guy who life is built around and dictated by The Arsenal with family coming 2nd, which I won’t illuminate further, but will if Bob decides any further digs at me or those on LIR is worthwhile. I assure you, Bob, it won’t.
Oh the irony of such pathetic cretins who feel the need to decide who are true Arsenal fans starting with “I’ve been on the stands in rain, sleet and snow home and away AFC Forever” – a real trouper. Guess working in a charity shop has its perks for time off 8 months of the year. His cave must be spartan, but being such a super, super fan comes at at price. Thank you for your service AFC Forever. Maybe you’ll get some form of award to put next to your Blue Peter Badge that Nigel always wished he had.
Basically, TRVL, you have to come down to their level for them to understand. Your literary prowess would have flown way above their heads. They would know you’ve insulted them, but just not how. Dictionary’s are too wordy for them. You just have to look how Pedro treats his posters and the level he writes at dictates the level of reader. I haven’t read a post written by him for 3 years, have you? It’s Roy of the Rovers at best or just simply school playground ruminations.
That said there are still good posters at LG who write about the football intelligently. which is why I skim through LG’s posts from posters who want to post and not fight or dictate.
For those posters, you will enrich LIR if you drop in to post and are very welcome.
TRVL- I echo many of your sentiments and concerns, but with life being cylindrical as in 2016 and 2023 PL, it’s the right time to put the Bin Dippers to the sword and today’s the day,
I know I’m putting myself in the ‘Poster’s Curse’ sights but at least it’s a worth game for it.